The American Bahá’í/Volume 3/Issue 3/Text
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“If we are not happy and joyous at this season, for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look?”
- —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
A Commentary...[edit]
The American Bahá’í Community has once again been the recipient of a special message of praise, encouragement, and guidance from the Holy Land. This latest message from The Universal House of Justice, dated February 14, 1972, is reprinted in the enclosed issue of the NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW and has already been distributed by our National Spiritual Assembly to all Local Spiritual Assemblies for consultation at the Feast of ‘Alá.
We Bahá’ís in the United States are experiencing that special bounty and privilege of divine guidance that has so abundantly directed our community since its inception nearly a century ago. The issue before us now, however, is how will we respond? To what degree will each Bahá’í be guided in his thoughts and actions by this latest outpouring from God’s infallibly guided Institution?
The Universal House of Justice applauds the progress that the Faith has made in the United States in recent months, while reminding us that a tremendous latent potential exists to reach, successfully, all strata of society in this country. It requires “...the American Bahá’ís, one and all, newly enrolled, and believers of long standing, to arise, put their reliance in Bahá’u’lláh and armed with that supreme power, continue unabated their efforts to reach the waiting souls, while simultaneously consolidating the hard-won victories.” The Universal House of Justice quickly follows with this observation: “New methods inevitably bring with them criticism and challenges no matter how successful they may ultimately prove to be.” We are reminded how detrimental criticism is to amity and how important unity is to significant progress and well-being. The message continues: “The influx of so many new believers is, in itself, a call to the veteran believers to join the ranks of those in this field of service and give wholeheartedly of their knowledge and experience.” There is literally no state or district in the United States that could not use the wholehearted assistance of the veteran believer. In particular need, for example, are such states as South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, Colorado, and New York. The needs vary in degree and kind, but all could be challenged successfully by the sacrificial services of the veteran believers. The Universal House of Justice emphasized this need by stating: “Far from standing aloof, the American believers are called upon now, as never before, to grasp this golden opportunity which has been presented to them, to consult together prayerfully and widen the scope of their endeavors.”
It is within the reach of the American Bahá’í Community to elect 1000 Local Spiritual Assemblies this Riḍván! It will require each Bahá’í residing within an Assembly area to be personally concerned for maintaining that Assembly, and whenever possible to join those hundreds of volunteers, youth and adults, who will be needed to assist in the formation of Assemblies in the vast mass teaching fields in the South, Southwest, and Northwest. It would be dangerous to underestimate the value of such service. Now is the time to “grasp this golden opportunity.” The upcoming Bahá’í year, the last year of the Nine Year Plan, can be filled with such historic accomplishments if we will but play our part in the spirit of universal participation as guided by The Universal House of Justice, directed by the National Spiritual Assembly, implemented by Local Spiritual Assemblies and teaching committees, and inspired by the Hands of the Cause of God, the Continental Board of Counsellors and their Auxiliary Boards.
With loving Bahá’í regards and best wishes for a happy Naw-Rúz and joyous Riḍván,
NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE
Special Two-Week Institutes To Be Held Next Summer[edit]
Two institutes lasting for two weeks each will be sponsored next summer by the National Spiritual Assembly as part of a special program to improve the quality of Bahá’í life in the United States.
These institutes, to be held simultaneously at Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine, and at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, are intended especially for serious-minded believers willing to devote themselves to two weeks of intensive study of the Bahá’í Teachings in order to prepare themselves for better service to the Faith.
July 1 to 15, 1972 is the time set for these institutes.
The curriculum will comprise:
1) Bahá’í Fundamentals—a serious examination of basic Bahá’í belief as expressed in the Teachings on the relationship between God and His Manifestation, the relationship between God and man, the purpose of man, the Covenant, and on ethical and social conduct. 2) History, including a survey of progressive revelation, the beginnings of the Bahá’í Faith, the works of the Central Figures and Shoghi Effendi, and the development of the Faith in America. 3) Bahá’í administration, its principles and current practice.
Students will be required to do three hours of class work and three hours of reading daily.
The faculties for these institutes will include National Assembly members, Auxiliary Board members, and other seasoned teachers of the Faith. Special programs involving the participation of Continental Counsellors are being planned. Hopefully, Hands of the Cause will participate, too.
The fees for the institutes will be: $125 for Green Acre Bahá’í School, and $150 for Lewis and Clark College. The fees will cover room and board.
Applications for admission are due no later than May 1, 1972. Beyond this date, applications will be accepted only to fill last-minute vacancies. Please apply early as the number of admissions to each institute must necessarily be limited in order to ensure the high quality of the program.
Applications to the Green Acre Institute must be addressed to: Mrs. Kathleen Javid, 43 Lockwood Road, Scarsdale, New York 10583.
Applications to the Lewis and Clark Institute must be addressed to: Mrs. Valerie Rassekh, 10500 Southwest 11th Drive, Portland, Oregon 97219.
Please note that these special institutes will not take the place of the regular summer school sessions to be announced later.
CONVENTION DATES ANNOUNCED[edit]
ATTENDANCE LIMITED THIS YEAR[edit]
The 1972 National Convention, which is scheduled for April 22-24, will be held in Foundation Hall of the House of Worship.
After the seating of the delegates, only 250 seats will remain for the use of observers and visitors. Therefore any person other than a delegate wishing to attend the Convention must apply to the National Spiritual Assembly by letter no later than April 1. On that date a drawing will be held to make appropriate allotments of the available seats. All applicants will be advised of the results.
If any visitor comes to the House of Worship without having made reservations, he will face the possibility of not being admitted to Convention sessions.
All 171 delegates are expected to be present at the Convention. Spouses of delegates wishing to attend will be automatically assigned seats among other visitors.
No meals will be served in Foundation Hall for either the delegates or visitors this year.
International Goals Not Yet Won![edit]
Although we are delighted with the report that all homefront goals in the United States have been met, we hasten to remind the American Bahá’í Community that there are still many crucial goals remaining outside of the United States (see list of unfilled goals below).
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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. Material must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Black and white glossy prints should be included with material whenever possible. Articles and news written in a clear and concise manner are welcomed from individuals as well as assemblies and committees. Address all mail to: The American Bahá’í Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091. |
The goals mentioned in The Universal House of Justice letter, dated February 14, 1972, printed in the March issue of the NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW, of raising one more Local Spiritual Assembly in Bermuda and one in the Falkland Islands, are consolidation goals assigned to this country in the Nine Year Plan, but do not comprise the balance of goals remaining on the international front. Many of the remaining goals are crucial and difficult, and require pioneers with courage and dedication to the Cause of God. We hope you will review the list of UNFILLED GOALS and make your plans to pioneer before the end of the Nine Year Plan.
- INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE
- 110 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
UNFILLED GOALS[edit]
| Americas | ||
| Number required | ||
| (S) | Bolivia | 1 |
| (S) | Chile | 2 |
| (S) | Ecuador | 6 |
| (S) | Peru | 2 |
| (D) | Surinam | 2 |
| (S) | Uruguay | 4 |
| (S) | Venezuela | 3 |
| Africa | ||
| (F) | Afars and Issas (French Territory) |
1 |
| (E) | Ethiopia | 1 |
| (F) | Ivory Coast | 1 |
| (E) | Lesotho | 1 |
| (E) | Malawi | 1 |
| (E) | St. Helena | 2 |
| (E) | Tanzania | 1 |
| (F) | Zaire Republic | 1 |
| Europe | ||
| (P) | Azores | 3 |
| Denmark | 3 | |
| * | Finland | 2 |
| (P) | Madeira | 2 |
| Norway | 4 | |
| (P) | Portugal | 6 |
| Australasia | ||
| (E) | Tonga Islands | 2 |
| (E) | Western Samoa | 1 |
| (E) | Solomon Islands | 1 |
| Asia | ||
| Indonesia | 2 | |
| Japan | 4 | |
| ** | Kazakhstan (CP) | 1 |
| Laos | 2 | |
| (P) | Portuguese Timor | 1 |
| ** | Ukraine (CP) | 1 |
| ** | (CP) - Circumstances permitting | |
| * | Special circumstances - Check with INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE 110 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091 | |
| (E) | English-speaking | |
| (D) | Dutch | |
| (F) | French | |
| (P) | Portuguese | |
| (S) | Spanish | |
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Qualities to Live By
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Pocket Miracles[edit]
- Money is a miraculous thing!
- It is man’s personal energy reduced to pocket size.
- Money has powers that man himself does not have.
- It can go where man cannot go and do what he cannot do.
- It speaks languages man cannot speak.
- While a Bahá’í is busy at work or around the house, his money is helping the teaching work in Africa... helping to establish a Local Spiritual Assembly in Latin America... or helping to accomplish some other goals for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
- YOUR money is helping to build the House of Worship in Panama...
- It is helping to support a pioneer in a foreign goal...
- It is helping the consolidation efforts in mass teaching areas.
- YOUR money, in these and many more ways, is helping to build the New World Order for all mankind.
Periscope[edit]
Morristown, NEW JERSEY, was the scene of a proclamation weekend in February which began with a presentation of the book, THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH to Mayor Anthony Cattano (left, in picture).
Over 2,000 invitations to a public meeting were distributed Saturday morning by 12 teams of teachers. The film, “It’s Just the Beginning”, was shown hourly during the day, and the evening meeting featured the “Omahas”, a group of Bahá’ís who entertain with music, and who set the atmosphere for a dramatic slide presentation by Mr. Bob Harris of Trenton, which depicted the chaos of the old order and the hope of the new. One person accepted the Faith. He had come with some Bahá’ís to help teach.
The Sunday program was held at Drew University in Madison, where the “Omahas” played again, and were followed by a joint talk by Ed and Ann Carpenter of Teaneck, who were very well-received.
Proclamation events are scheduled for almost every weekend, and anyone who is in the area is warmly invited to come and help.
The Bahá’ís of Tuskegee, ALABAMA, with the help of Dr. William C. Love of the Deep South Committee, presented a copy of the book, THE PROCLAMATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, to Dr. Luther Foster (left, in picture), President of Tuskegee Institute. The presentation took place before a Sunday audience in the Institute chapel.
A panel of speakers, comprised of Mrs. Soo Fouts of Fairfax, Virginia; Mr. Van Gilmer of Oxon Hill, Maryland; and Mr. Howard Tangler of Berea, Ohio, were interviewed on a television program in Wheeling, WEST VIRGINIA, January 12.
The program opened with the beautiful singing of Van Gilmer, whose face was aglow with the love of God. Several Bahá’ís and their guests, who were gathered at a home in Wheeling, were reportedly thoroughly warmed by his songs.
A broad outline of the Bahá’í concepts was presented by all three panelists, and the moderator, who had been given a press kit, numerous books, and a suggested television format, expressed a real interest in the Bahá’í message. So engrossed did he become, that he forgot to mention the station’s phone-in number for those people who might have questions to ask of the panel. The concept of the oneness of God, religion, and man was stressed, as were matters dealing with racial issues.
The program closed with the secretary of the Wheeling Assembly thanking the station and the panel, and inviting the viewing audience to either phone or write for information. An open house was announced for those who wished to meet the speakers. One of the viewers, the president of the T.V. Cable Company, drove over immediately to meet the speakers and get more information. He left later with several books.
The Wheeling Assembly has been following up with lectures at a Catholic high school and weekly firesides and has been invited back by the television station for a second show in two months!
Mr. Howard Tangler Mrs. Soo Fouts Mr. Van Gilmer
East TEXAS District Teaching Committee No. 1 reports the launching of an impressive teaching campaign, which is proving to be most successful. It all started in Waxahachie with an exhilarating conference on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Formative Age last November, which led to another conference in Arlington at the end of January, the theme of which was “Twin Objectives: Universal Participation and Expansion.” At least 140 believers from five states attended this conference. Continental Counsellor Mrs. Florence Mayberry turned the conference into a beautiful deepening experience by her inspiring guidance. Auxiliary Board Member Paul Pettit, who has been a source of inspiration and great assistance to the Committee, also rendered inspiring guidance at the conference.
The Committee has drawn up a well-organized plan of action in order to achieve these objectives and already has the cooperation and participation of several Local Spiritual Assemblies, who have been given specific goals.
Teaching activities were scheduled for every weekend through February and March in several goal cities; the National Teaching Committee sponsored its Regional Bahá’í Youth Conference in Arlington, February 25-27; and plans are under way for a ten-day teaching effort from March 31-April 9.
[Page 5]
PERISCOPE (continued)
Already, the Committee has consolidation teachers deepening new believers in 13 communities; and is seeking others for 20 other communities. If any well-deepened Bahá’í would like to help in this huge endeavor in East Texas No. 1, please contact the secretary of that Committee, Mrs. Jeanette Hedayati, 1702 Glynn Oaks Drive, Arlington, Texas 76010.
The Committee will review its victories this Riḍván, and will then establish further goals to be met by Riḍván 1973, with the consummation of this campaign and the end of the Nine Year Plan.
The purpose of this tremendous teaching effort is to carry the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to all of the people in District 1 and to achieve a huge expansion of the Cause and universal participation by all the believers there.
The friends are praying daily for the achievement of these “Twin Objectives.”
From its beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 26 until everyone left soon after 3 p.m. on Sunday, the gathering of Bahá’ís from all over the state of INDIANA during the first two Intercalary Days was a joyful, uplifting event long to be remembered. Auxiliary Board Member, Miss D. Thelma Jackson, and Mrs. Ruth Hampson, Administrator of the Regional Office for the twelve central states, were present at the gathering, which was held at the Holcomb Garden House of Butler University, and contributed greatly with their informative and stimulating talks....
The first item on the entertainment schedule was a professional clown show performed by Mrs. Judy Bryan, a Bahá’í from Fort Wayne. In her show, she is Lolly-Pop, and for one-and-a-half hours she entertained children and adults alike. There was much laughter and repeated applause. In various subtle ways, Lolly-Pop brought out a number of Bahá’í principles in her presentation.
Every Assembly, as well as several of the Bahá’í Groups, brought skits and reports to share with the friends. Some of the skits brought both humor and instruction to the audience. The second day followed the general format of the first day, except that there was much more discussion of the Faith and Bahá’í activities throughout the state.
At the end of the get-together, the spirit was very high, and the consensus was that such gatherings should be planned again. There was no question that the Ayyám-i-Há party was a huge success.
Among the guests who attended, one decided to join the Faith.
Nevada & Indiana Conferences[edit]
The Continental Board of Counsellors announces two special Deepening Conferences, both to be held on the weekend of March 31 to April 2, 1972: one in Reno, NEVADA, and the other in Fort Wayne, INDIANA. The site for the Reno Conference will be the Pioneer Theater Auditorium on Virginia Street. The friends planning to attend this Conference are hereby reminded of the Bahá’í Law forbidding gambling (see article below). The site for the Fort Wayne Conference will be held in the chapel of the Indiana Institute of Technology at 1600 E. Washington Boulevard.
Hotel and motel information has been furnished to Local Spiritual Assemblies and District Teaching Committees in the areas concerned.
Registration will begin Friday afternoon, March 31, and the sessions will continue through early afternoon Sunday, April 2. All Bahá’ís are cordially invited to attend. These Conferences are not open to the public, and Bahá’ís should present current Bahá’í membership cards.
As the Bahá’í world enters the last year of the Nine Year Plan, the American believers must not only win their remaining goals but also continue their efforts to reach the waiting souls and simultaneously consolidate the victories won. Conferences such as these offer rich opportunities for the believers to come together and share the joy of fellowship, inspiration, and deepening in the understanding of their Faith and common tasks.
Gambling Forbidden For Bahá’ís[edit]
In GOD PASSES BY (page 214), the beloved Guardian enumerates the Laws of Bahá’u’lláh. Included is the Law that interdicts gambling. In other communications, he has indicated that sanctions of deprivation of administrative rights are to be imposed upon individuals who persist in violating this prohibition. Obedience to this Law has been especially emphasized to the believers in Nevada, in which State gambling is legalized by state law and where all forms and temptations for gambling abound everywhere.
This Bahá’í Law is being called to the attention now of all believers who visit or travel in Nevada and who may be under the impression that because gambling has been legalized by that State, it is permissible for them to engage in it.
Bahá’í Child Education and Family Life[edit]
Plan now for the twelve days of Riḍván, April 21-May 2!
“Rejoice, with exceeding gladness, O people of Bahá! as ye call to remembrance the Day of supreme felicity, the Day whereon the Tongue of the Ancient of Days hath spoken,...”
(Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in GOD PASSES BY, p. 154)
Sunset, on April 20, will mark the beginning of the holiest and most significant of all Bahá’í festivals, the Riḍván Festival, which commemorates the twelve days in 1863 that Bahá’u’lláh spent in the Garden of Riḍván (pronounced rezz-von), outside the city of Baghdád, before being exiled further to Constantinople. It was during His stay in the Garden of Riḍván that Bahá’u’lláh declared His sacred Mission.
Every Bahá’í family will want to find exciting, happy, and meaningful experiences together during this “Most Great Festival”, in addition to participating in the activities arranged by its Local Spiritual Assembly. Planning should begin early for the celebration of these special days, and the children should be encouraged to help with the planning. It is important to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for each Holy Day.
Parents should make every effort to have their children excused from school on the first, ninth, and twelfth days of Riḍván (April 21, 29, and May 2, respectively); and parents should suspend work on these days, if this is possible (see WELLSPRING OF GUIDANCE, pp. 69-70). Special family and community activities can then be planned and enjoyed together. All activities should relate to the events being celebrated.
Below are some suggestions for the celebration of the days of Riḍván for the whole family. For other suggestions, refer to the handbook on BAHÁ’Í HOLY DAYS available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
| 1 APRIL 21 MAKE PAPER FLOWERS AND DECORATE THE HOUSE OR YOUR ROOM WITH THEM. SAY A PRAYER FOR THE ELECTION OF NEW SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AROUND THE WORLD. CHILDREN SHOULD BE EXCUSED FROM SCHOOL TODAY; AND PARENTS SHOULD NOT GO TO WORK, IF POSSIBLE. |
2 APRIL 22 SAY A PRAYER FOR ALL OF THE NEW SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES IN THE WORLD. LEARN A STORY ABOUT BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (SUGGESTED READING: GOD PASSES BY, p. 147) |
3 APRIL 23 MAKE A GIFT FOR A FRIEND. |
4 APRIL 24 MEMORIZE THIS QUOTATION: “ARISE, AND PROCLAIM UNTO THE ENTIRE CREATION THE TIDINGS THAT HE WHO IS THE ALL-MERCIFUL HATH DIRECTED HIS STEPS TOWARDS THE RIDVAN AND ENTERED IT....” (GOD PASSES BY, p. 154) |
| 5 APRIL 25 HAVE A SMALL PARTY FOR SOME FRIENDS. INVITE ONE NEW PERSON, AT LEAST. |
6 APRIL 26 LEARN THE PRAYER “REMOVER OF DIFFICULTIES” BY HEART: “IS THERE ANY REMOVER OF DIFFICULTIES SAVE GOD? SAY: PRAISED BE GOD! HE IS GOD! ALL ARE HIS SERVANTS, AND ALL ABIDE BY HIS BIDDING!” —THE BÁB |
7 APRIL 27 Feast of Jamál begins at sunset DO A SPECIAL SERVICE FOR SOMEONE — A RELATIVE, A NEIGHBOR, A FRIEND, OR SOMEONE YOU DON’T GET ALONG WITH. BE HAPPY! BE SINCERE! SMILE! SERVE! |
8 APRIL 28 MEMORIZE THIS QUOTATION: “CONSIDER THESE NIGHTINGALES. SO GREAT IS THEIR LOVE FOR THESE ROSES, THAT SLEEPLESS FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, THEY WARBLE THEIR MELODIES AND COMMUNE WITH BURNING PASSION WITH THE OBJECT OF THEIR ADORATION. HOW THEN CAN THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE AFIRE WITH THE ROSE-LIKE BEAUTY OF THE BELOVED CHOOSE TO SLEEP?” |
| 9 APRIL 29 PICK FLOWERS IN A COUNTRY AREA, OR BUY A FEW, AND TAKE THEM HOME. OR PERHAPS YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS SICK AND WHO WOULD APPRECIATE A VISIT AND SOME FLOWERS. THIS IS ANOTHER HOLY DAY ON WHICH WORK SHOULD BE SUSPENDED, AND CHILDREN SHOULD BE OUT OF SCHOOL—BUT THEN, IT’S SATURDAY, ISN’T IT! |
10 APRIL 30 DRAW A PICTURE OF BIRDS IN A GARDEN. |
11 MAY 1 LEARN ANOTHER STORY ABOUT BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (SUGGESTED READING: GOD PASSES BY, p. 153) |
12 MAY 2 VISIT A GARDEN OR PARK. LOOK AT THE FLOWERS; LISTEN TO THE BIRDS; HEAR THE SOUND OF THE WIND IN THE TREES, OF CHILDREN’S LAUGHTER... NO SCHOOL TODAY; AND NO WORK FOR THE PARENTS, IF POSSIBLE. |
Extracts From The Guardian’s Letters On Spiritual Character Of Bahá’í Elections[edit]
“The electors...must prayerfully and devotedly and after meditation and reflection elect faithful, sincere, experienced, capable and competent souls who are worthy of membership...
“Beware, beware lest the foul odour of the parties and peoples of foreign lands in the West, and their pernicious methods, such as intrigues, party politics and propaganda—practices which are abhorrent even in name—should ever reach the Bahá’í community, exert any influence whatsoever upon the friends, and thus bring all spirituality to nought. The friends should, through their devotion, love, loyalty and altruism, abolish these evil practices, not imitate them. It is only after the friends completely ignore and sanctify themselves from these evils, that the spirit of God can penetrate and operate in the body of humanity, and in the Bahá’í community.”
(Translation from letter of the Guardian to the friends in Persia, dated January 30, 1923)
“On the election day, the friends must wholeheartedly participate in the elections, in unity and amity, turning their hearts to God, detached from all things but Him, seeking His guidance and supplicating His aid and bounty.”
(Translation from letter of the Guardian to the friends in Persia, dated February 27, 1923)
“...I earnestly appeal to every one of you...to make...yet another effort, this time more spontaneous and selfless than before, and endeavor to approach your task...with that purity of spirit that can alone obtain our Beloved’s most cherished desire. Let us recall His explicit and often-repeated assurances that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is, in truth, appointed of God,...”
(BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION, p. 65, letter dated February 23, 1924)
“If we but turn our gaze to the high qualifications of the members of Bahá’í Assemblies...we are filled with feelings of unworthiness and dismay, and would feel truly disheartened but for the comforting thought that if we rise to play nobly our part every deficiency in our lives will be more than compensated by the all-conquering spirit of His grace and power. Hence it is incumbent upon the chosen delegates to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience.”
(BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION, p. 88, letter dated June 3, 1925)
“I feel that reference to personalities before the election would give rise to misunderstanding and differences. What the friends should do is, to get thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix freely and discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications for such a membership without reference or application, however indirect, to particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing the opinion of others, of canvassing for any particular individual, but should stress the necessity of getting fully acquainted with the qualifications of membership referred to in our Beloved’s Tablets and of learning more about one another through direct, personal experience rather than through the reports and opinions of our friends.”
(From the Guardian’s letter, dated May 14, 1927, to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Akron, Ohio. BAHÁ’Í NEWS, No. 18, June 1927, p. 9)
“...the elector...is called upon to vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold.... Moreover, the practice of nomination, so detrimental to the atmosphere of a silent and prayerful election, is viewed with mistrust inasmuch as it gives the right...to deny that God-given right of every elector to vote only in favor of those who he is conscientiously convinced are the most worthy candidates.”
(BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION, p. 136, letter dated May 27, 1927)
“One’s vote should be kept confidential. It is not permissible to make any reference whatsoever to individual names. The friends must avoid the evil methods and detestable practices of the politicians. They must turn completely to God, and with a purity of motive, a freedom of spirit and a sanctity of heart, participate in the elections; otherwise the outcome will be chaos and confusion, serious difficulties will ensue, mischief will abound and the confirmation of God will be cut off.”
(Translation from letter of the Guardian to the friends in Persia, dated January 16, 1932)
“Let them exercise the utmost vigilance so that the elections are carried out freely, universally and by secret ballot. Any form of intrigue, deception, collusion and compulsion must be stopped and is forbidden.”
(Translation from letter of the Guardian to the friends in Persia, dated March 8, 1932)
“The strength and progress of the Bahá’í community depend upon the election of pure, faithful and active souls.... Canvassing is deprecated....
“Bahá’í elections of the Community are sanctified from all traces of canvassing and plotting that characterize the activities of the perfidious.”
(Translation from letter of the Guardian to the friends in Persia, dated April 9, 1932)
“I greatly value your suggestions, but I do not feel it to be in keeping with the spirit of the Cause to impose any limitation upon the freedom of the believers to choose those of any race, nationality or temperament, who best combine the essential qualifications for membership of administrative institutions. They should disregard personalities and concentrate their attention on the qualities and requirements of office, without prejudice, passion or partiality. The Assembly should be representative of the choicest and most varied and capable elements in every Bahá’í community.”
(From the Guardian’s letter, dated August 11, 1933, to an individual believer)
“In regard to your question about qualifications of delegates and Assembly members: the qualifications which he outlined are really applicable to anyone we elect to a Bahá’í office, whatever its nature. But these are only an indication, they do not mean people who don’t fulfill them cannot be elected to office. We must aim as high as we can.”
(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, dated October 24, 1947, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles)
Local Spiritual Assembly Elections Begin After Sunset On April 20, The First Day Of Riḍván[edit]
“The Lord hath ordained,” Bahá’u’lláh reveals, “that in every city a House of Justice be established wherein shall gather counsellors to the number of Bahá (9)...It behooveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth.”
It is of the greatest importance that, in accordance with the command of Bahá’u’lláh, in every city, town or village where there are nine or more adult Bahá’ís, a Local Spiritual Assembly be established.
Nominating candidates and campaigning for their election are not permitted in the Bahá’í Faith. Any adult Bahá’í (21 years or older) in good standing in the community can be elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly. Before the election there is no discussion of names or personalities among the Bahá’ís because this causes misunderstandings and differences to arise. No Bahá’í should ever tell another Bahá’í how he should vote or try to influence his opinion.
Shoghi Effendi states that Bahá’ís should “...consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience.”
One of the healing remedies that Bahá’u’lláh has given to this sick world is the Local Spiritual Assembly (which in the future will be known as the Local House of Justice). It is to this divine institution that all Bahá’ís should turn for help and guidance. The Local Spiritual Assembly should become the center of Bahá’í community life in every locality.
| In every city a Spiritual Assembly must be formed. | No nominations and no discussion of names are permitted. |
| All Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of God. | Bahá’ís vote after prayer and thought. |
| Spiritual Assemblies are elected once a year. | The nine with the most votes are elected. |
All through the year each Bahá’í should mix freely with the believers in his community and get to know them. At the annual election, the Bahá’ís gather together. Ballots are passed out and, after prayer and serious thought, everyone writes on his ballot the names of nine adult Bahá’ís, no more and no less. This is done by secret ballot so that no one knows how another voted. The ballots are then collected and counted.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá says: “These Spiritual Assemblies are aided by the Spirit of God.... These Spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly gardens, from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created things. From them the spirit of life streameth in every direction.”
All Local Spiritual Assemblies must be elected once a year on the first day of the Riḍván Festival (between sunset on April 20th and sunset on April 21st). On this day all the Bahá’ís of the community come together for the election. They say prayers for God’s guidance and protection. Then, in an atmosphere of silent meditation, each adult Bahá’í casts his vote.
Shoghi Effendi writes that “...every declared believer of 21 years and above, far from standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part conscientiously and diligently, in the election...of his own local Assembly.”
Every Bahá’í should take part in the election of his Local Spiritual Assembly. If he is unable to attend the annual election for some reason, he can send his ballot along with someone else or mail it in.
When the ballots are counted, the nine adult Bahá’ís in the community who receive the most votes become the Local Spiritual Assembly for one year. Shoghi Effendi explains that “...every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is, in truth, appointed of God, that its verdict is truly inspired, that one and all should submit to its decision unreservedly and with cheerfulness.”
Moreover, in a letter written on his behalf, we are reminded: “Bahá’u’lláh has given the promise that in every Assembly where unity and harmony prevail, there His glorious spirit will not only be present, but will animate, sustain and guide all the friends in all their deliberations.”
The contents of pages 8 and 9 were extracted from the booklet, THE TRUSTED ONES OF GOD, available from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. The quotations used in this booklet were taken from a compilation of texts from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi on the Local Spiritual Assembly, put together by The Universal House of Justice, and later published in booklet form by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust under the title, THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
Bahá’í Election Procedures[edit]
NECESSARY CONDITIONS[edit]
Wherever there are nine adult Bahá’ís in good standing residing in a particular locality, a Local Spiritual Assembly must be formed. Recent instructions from The Universal House of Justice make this formation obligatory, rather than a matter of choice. Wherever the required conditions exist, the Bahá’ís of that area must establish a Local Spiritual Assembly. The conditions are simple. They include the following:
1. There must be nine Bahá’ís in good standing who are 21 years of age or over and resident in the community on April 21st.
2. These Bahá’ís must be declared and enrolled believers recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly as such. If one or more members of the group are such newly-declared Bahá’ís that they are not yet recorded as believers by the National Spiritual Assembly, these new believers are to take part in the formation of the Assembly, subject to later confirmation of their Bahá’í status.
3. Each Local Spiritual Assembly must have a definite area of jurisdiction. No overlapping boundaries are permitted under any circumstances. In most cases, the Assembly’s area of jurisdiction is that of a civil community, such as an incorporated city, town, or village. In these cases, the limits of the Assembly’s jurisdiction are determined by the civil boundaries of its community. Only one Local Spiritual Assembly may be formed within an incorporated civil jurisdiction.
A Local Spiritual Assembly may also be formed where there are nine or more adult Bahá’ís living in a county, township, judicial district, or community outside of incorporated areas. However, all Bahá’ís participating in such a formation must live outside of incorporated civil communities. Bahá’ís within incorporated civil boundaries and Bahá’ís living in unincorporated areas may not combine their numbers to elect an Assembly. It is possible to elect more than one Assembly for different areas within an unincorporated district under certain conditions.
4. At the present time, there is only one day of the year when a Local Spiritual Assembly can be formed. This is the first day of Riḍván, which begins, according to the Bahá’í calendar, at sunset on April 20th and ends at sunset on April 21st.
THE ELECTION CALL[edit]
At least fifteen days prior to the election of a Local Spiritual Assembly all voting members of the community must receive notice of the date, time, and place of the election meeting. At the same time, each adult Bahá’í should be provided with a ballot which can be mailed in, should he be unable to attend this meeting, and a current list of all believers eligible for election to the Assembly (that is, all adult Bahá’ís in good standing residing in the community). Every declared Bahá’í of twenty-one years of age or older, whether actively engaged in the work of the Cause or not, is eligible to vote in a Bahá’í election and serve on a Local Spiritual Assembly unless his administrative rights have been specifically removed by the National Spiritual Assembly.
In the case of groups which are forming new (or restored) Local Spiritual Assemblies, it is the responsibility of the District Teaching Committees, at this time, to see that all adult Bahá’ís are duly notified of the election meeting and receive voting lists and mail ballots. It is the responsibility of established Assemblies to make arrangements for their own re-election, unless they are so new that some assistance is required.
THE ELECTION MEETING[edit]
In every locality where a Local Spiritual Assembly is to be elected, a meeting must be called for some time between sunset on April 20th and sunset on April 21st, where the members of the community may cast their ballots and consult on the business of that community. There, the friends should gather in joy, love, fellowship, and unity to elect the members of their Local Spiritual Assembly.
This meeting provides the occasion for established Assemblies to present an annual report of their activities to the community and to consult on any other matters pertaining to the affairs of the Faith in that area. In the case of groups forming their first Assemblies, a more general discussion of community activities is in order.
A suggested agenda for this Annual Meeting follows:
- Opening Prayers and Readings
- Reading of the Call of the Meeting
- Reading of appropriate Bahá’í passages concerning elections
- Appointment of tellers
- Distribution of ballots
- Prayers for the guidance of the voters
- Election by secret ballot
- Presentation of the Annual Reports of the Local Spiritual Assembly
- Consultation on Community Affairs
- Tellers’ Report of the Election
- Approval of Tellers’ Report
- Social Activities
A representative of the National Spiritual Assembly will be present at the elections of all new and restored Local Spiritual Assemblies. All questions regarding principle and procedure during the election may be referred to the representative.
VOTING IN BAHÁ’Í ELECTIONS[edit]
Contrary to the ways of the world, Bahá’í elections are to be approached in a spirit of prayer and reverence without prior campaigning or discussion of names among the voters. Each Bahá’í is called upon to cast his ballot, after sincere prayer and careful consideration, for only those who best combine the necessary qualities of loyalty, devotion, training, ability, and experience.
The ballots are cast secretly, each Bahá’í writing the names of exactly nine adult Bahá’ís (no more and no less) on his ballot and delivering it to the tellers. In cases where a Bahá’í cannot read or write, his ballot may be accepted orally by one designated, literate Bahá’í.
If a Bahá’í is unable to attend the election meeting, he should send his ballot in by mail, or in the care of a fellow Bahá’í attending the meeting. These absentee ballots are collected and opened at the election meeting where they are counted along with the votes cast at the meeting. In some areas, it may be necessary to have Bahá’ís visit the homes of the believers in order to collect their ballots. Such canvassing work, however, must be done in addition to, and not in place of, the election meeting in that locality.
When all ballots have been counted, the nine Bahá’ís with the largest number of votes (a plurality) are elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly for one year.
There is no minimum to the number of believers who must participate in an election. Even if only one ballot is cast, an election has occurred, but it is the National Spiritual Assembly which determines the validity of the results.
TIES[edit]
A tie occurs in a Bahá’í election only when two or more persons are tied for ninth place in the number of votes received from all ballots cast. In such a case, where an equal number of votes have been cast for two Bahá’ís of different races or nationalities within the community, priority should automatically be accorded to the Bahá’í representing the minority. In cases where no minority groups are involved, or where some question arises concerning the application of the minority rule, a second ballot must be cast by those present at the election meeting. On this ballot, the voter is to write only the name of one of those who are tied for ninth place on the first ballot.
JOINT DECLARATION[edit]
Where there are exactly nine adult Bahá’ís resident in a certain locality on April 21st, they must establish an Assembly by joint declaration. All nine members of the community MUST participate in this joint declaration. This does not mean that all must be present at the meeting. It does mean, however, that every effort must be made to obtain the nine signatures before sunset on April 21st. In some areas, it may be necessary to obtain the signatures well before Riḍván, by hand-carrying the joint declaration form to the new believers who do not as yet understand the Bahá’í election procedures.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS[edit]
It is preferable to have the election of the officers of the Assembly immediately following the election or formation by joint declaration; however, all nine members of the Assembly must be given the opportunity to vote for the officers. In many instances, a meeting for the election of officers cannot be called because of the inability on the part of one or more members to attend. In such cases, the best procedure is to elect or appoint immediately a temporary chairman and secretary to serve until such time as all members of the Assembly can be properly notified and given the opportunity to vote.
Permanent officers are elected by secret ballot and by majority vote; that is, at least five votes out of the nine.
“Wildfire” Conferences Successful in all Regions[edit]
The Regional Bahá’í Youth Conferences, sponsored by the National Teaching Committee, which took place on four consecutive weekends in February in the Central, Western, Northeastern, and Southern regions, respectively, were most successful.
The focus of each conference was upon improving the quality of Bahá’í life and directing the youth toward a method of study which would help them to deepen in their knowledge and understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation.
The Conference in BELOIT, WISCONSIN, attended by 360 youth, was blessed by the presence of Hand of the Cause of God Zikru’lláh Khadem who spoke on the role of Bahá’í youth, and who challenged the youth to perform great deeds of service for the Faith; Auxiliary Board Member Peter Khan spoke eloquently on the Covenant, the quality of Bahá’í life, and the three fields of service open to Bahá’í youth; and about 600 people attended the public proclamation on Saturday night and heard the “Children of Time” and the “Northern Stars” road shows give exciting and entertaining performances.
Beautiful, balmy weather greeted over 250 believers in HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA, where Auxiliary Board Member Mrs. Margaret Gallagher lovingly, but firmly explained to the youth how firmness in the Covenant should be reflected not only in their loyalty to the Institutions, but also in their personal conduct, manners, and dress. Saturday evening’s performance by Bob Gundry and Steve King of “Wednesday’s Children” was enthusiastically received by the audience, and the spirit intensified after a number of declarations.
In spite of the worst snowstorm of the year, some 400 youth attended the conference in STORRS, CONNECTICUT. The session on the Covenant by Auxiliary Board Member Mrs. Adrienne Reeves lasted for an hour-and-a-half and would have continued, so eager were the youth to learn what “firmness in the Covenant” really means! At the public meeting Saturday night, the “Dawn-breakers II” road show joined forces with a group from Amherst for an exciting evening of entertainment.
The presence of Black, Mexican, Indian, and white believers, with a nice sprinkling of Persian, set a harmonious tone throughout the ARLINGTON, TEXAS, conference, a tone which was accentuated by the talks of Auxiliary Board Member Paul Pettit. Two unexpected highlights were, 1) a beautiful song by a young Mescalero Indian believer who had written it himself; and 2) a spontaneous and humorous group presentation by the Persian believers.
The spirit of the conferences can be summed up by the words of a campus newspaper reporter in Beloit who had been observing the Bahá’ís: “... the most extraordinary thing is that they came...to study, to deepen, to learn about the Laws of Bahá’u’lláh, and they all had a remarkably good time doing it!”
BAHÁ’Í NEWS[edit]
“In an age when people play football with words, kicking them right and left indiscriminately with no respect for either their meaning or correct usage, the style of Shoghi Effendi stands out in dazzling beauty. His joy in words was one of his strongest personal characteristics, whether he wrote in English—the language he had given his heart to—or in the mixture of Persian and Arabic he used in his general letters to the East....
“The highest standards of literature and language are reflected, whether in Persian, Arabic or English, in the writings of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. No debased coin of words was used by any of them. I remember once when a pilgrim, sincerely and modestly remonstrated with the Guardian about the difficulty ordinary people in America had in understanding his writings and suggested he make them a little bit easier. The Guardian pointed out, firmly, that this was not the answer; the answer was for people to raise their standard of English, adding, in his beautiful voice with its beautiful pronunciation—and a slight twinkle in his eye—that he himself wrote in English. The implication that a great deal of the writing on the other side of the Atlantic did not always fall in this category was quite clear! He urged Bahá’í magazines to use an ‘elevated and impressive’ style and certainly set the example himself at all times.”
(Excerpts from THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD, VOL. XIII, pp. 115 and 173, “The Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith,” by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum.)
And What They Say About It
“BAHÁ’Í NEWS is for all of us our comfort, our stimulus, our vision of the countless efforts being carried out (in every land) with Divine help from the Supreme Concourse...!” (Bolivia)
“...the delayed issues...arrived yesterday and will you believe it? I pored over first one issue then another...hours slipped by and I looked down at the table and found my lunch untouched and four hours COLD!” (Glenhaven, California)
“We are most grateful for your generous distribution of the BAHÁ’Í NEWS which we read here...with such joy that each new victory, small or large, brings to all of us.” (El Salvador)
FOR GIFT-GIVING OCCASIONS, have you thought of a subscription to BAHÁ’Í NEWS? The recipient (who must be a Bahá’í, since it is a publication for Bahá’ís only) will be notified of your gift. The giver will also receive an acknowledgment.
World Order A Bahá’í Magazine
A subscription to WORLD ORDER magazine makes an excellent choice for a relative or friend expecting an anniversary gift.
Give WORLD ORDER magazine when you want to keep the recipient of your gift reminded and informed about the Bahá’í Faith all year long.
Order WORLD ORDER now.
CHILD’S WAY[edit]
- Have you heard of CHILD’S WAY?
- Have you seen CHILD’S WAY recently?
- Children like it.
- Youth like it.
- Adults like it.
- (Adolescents wouldn’t be caught dead with it—it says CHILD’S on the cover!)
- Why do they like it?
- Children enjoy having their OWN Bahá’í magazine.
- They love to have their elders read it to them; or to read it themselves, if they can read.
- They memorize illustrated prayers. They like the stories.
- They look at the pictures.
- Adults are happy to have simple answers to difficult questions.
- They enjoy excerpts from unpublished gems, such as Maḥmud’s Diary informally translated by Marzieh Gail, or from memoirs of early believers.
- They are glad to find reprints from out-of-print books and magazines.
- They feel young again.
- Sometimes, they share CHILD’S WAY with the children!
- Teachers are delighted to have materials for children...
- It is the ONLY Bahá’í children’s magazine published on this continent.
- WON’T YOU SUBSCRIBE?
Summer Projects ’72[edit]
“The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, hath always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the world....” (Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in THE ADVENT OF DIVINE JUSTICE, p. 70)
This summer may be YOUR time to experience firsthand, the reality of pioneering and travel-teaching in EUROPE or LATIN AMERICA.
YOU WILL NEED:
| TIME — | July and August |
| FINANCES – | $600-$700 for Europe, or $300-$400 for Latin America |
| LANGUAGE – | Spanish, French, German, or Italian. (You can learn to converse in the language of your choice by this summer if you begin now!) |
| DEDICATION – | Love for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, obedience to His Covenant, and willingness to carry His Message to the rest of humanity. |
Where In the World Will You Be?[edit]
| NORWAY | ||||||
| MEXICO | FINLAND | |||||
| BELIZE | ENGLAND | |||||
| GUATEMALA | ||||||
| BELGIUM | ||||||
| HONDURAS | FRANCE | |||||
| GERMANY | ||||||
| NICARAGUA | ||||||
| SWITZERLAND | ||||||
| COSTA RICA | ||||||
| VENEZUELA | ||||||
| COLOMBIA | ||||||
| PERU |
PANAMA Information[edit]
For those friends who plan to attend the dedication ceremonies of the House of Worship in Panama, but who will NOT be taking our chartered flights, we provide the following information which may be of help to you.
1. Nationals of all countries (except holders of British passports who need no other document) may enter Panama on a tourist card. Application for this can be obtained through your travel agent or the Panamanian Consulate.
2. Although it is no longer required for re-entry into the United States, a smallpox vaccination certificate is required by all visitors entering Panama. This may be obtained through your local Board of Health or your private physician.
3. Be sure to declare all cameras, tape recorders, etc., to the United States customs before departure. This will save you much time and explanation when you return. It is recommended that, if you are near a United States Customs Office, you take care of this in advance of departure.
4. You are allowed to bring back to the United States, free of duty, $100 worth of merchandise (based on retail value).
5. The weather in Panama will be hot and humid. Dress should be lightweight, modest, and discreet.
6. There is no problem in Panama with food, drinking water, etc. Feel free to eat or drink with safety.
7. American currency is used throughout Panama. However, do not expect to cash personal checks. Carry your money in cash or traveler’s checks (in small denominations). Since a national holiday occurs during the time we are in Panama, banks will NOT be open on Saturday, April 29; Sunday, April 30; or Monday, May 1.
8. You will need an international Bahá’í identification card to attend the dedication and conference. This can be obtained from the Membership and Records office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
9. There will be a small registration fee for the conference on May 1 and 2. We have not yet been informed of the cost, but it will be minimal and may be paid in Panama.
10. Facilities for child care will be available during the conference, but there will be no child care provided at the dedication.
11. There are no beaches nearby. There are probably no swimming pool facilities except at the top, first-class hotels.
12. Conversation in Panama should be discreet, and no open criticism should be made of the Panamanian government. Surely, since we are Bahá’ís, this will be no problem, but we have been asked to make mention of it.
13. Most shops in Panama City are open from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, they are closed and will probably be closed on the national holiday, May 1.
14. Panama time is the same as United States Eastern Standard Time.
15. It is not obligatory, but food waiters in hotels and restaurants usually receive a 10% tip. Porters and taxi drivers, about 10 cents to 25 cents. Baggage porters have a fixed scale of 25 cents per piece.
16. If you are considering car rental, your United States driver’s license is valid in Panama. No one under 18 years of age may drive a car or motorcycle.
BAHÁ’Í BOOKS AND MATERIALS[edit]
SPECIAL MATERIALS[edit]
| 6-65-01 | Viewlex “Mini-Giant” |
| V-1 Filmstrip/Slide Projector |
A compact, noiseless, high-quality, 110-volt projector that shows either slides or filmstrips in a bright, sharp image for small groups. Convection-cooled, with a transformer-driven, low-voltage (6v, 18w) lamp. Designed for firesides, deepening classes, personal study, and for small groups up to about 20. Price includes a complimentary filmstrip program, God Speaks Again, described below.
V-1 Projector with Free Program | $29.50 |
NOTE: If you prefer, we will substitute either Bahá’ís and the Holy Land or ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Glimpses of Perfection for the God Speaks Again program. Indicate your preference by attaching a note to your order. All of the programs available are described below.
FILMSTRIP PROGRAMS[edit]
| The Bahá’ís and the Holy Land |
An explanation of how the land holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims became a sacred spot to Bahá’ís. It includes pictures of the holy places of four major religions and is a beautiful, direct introduction to the Faith. Narrated by Hand of the Cause William Sears. 88 frames, in color.
Filmstrip, Cassette, Narration Book | $7.50 |
| 6-00-31 | Unity in Diversity |
A filmstrip report of the eight Oceanic and Continental conferences called by the Universal House of Justice in 1970 and 1971. Colorful pictures (130 frames) and narration emphasize the universal nature of the Bahá’í Faith and the world unity which it has forged from many diverse peoples.
Filmstrip, Cassette, Narration Book | $9.00 |
| 6-00-03 | The Hundredth Year |
A documentary of the Intercontinental Conferences held in October 1967 to commemorate the Centenary of the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh. Useful for proclamation programs, firesides, deepening courses, summer schools, religion classes. 114 frames, in color.
Filmstrip, Cassette, Narration Book | $9.00 |
Filmstrip programs include filmstrip, cassette narration, and printed narration booklet—all attractively and durably boxed.
| 6-00-11 | God Speaks Again |
An explanation of the station of Bahá’u’lláh and an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith intended primarily for unsophisticated audiences. Voices (Charles and Sandy Bullock) and music (Can’t You See the New Day and One in the Spirit) recorded in the South. 71 frames, in color.
Filmstrip, Cassette, Narration Book | $7.50 |
| 6-00-24 | Land of Resplendent Glory | (Three-part filmstrip program set) |
A three-part, 225-frame, black-and-white filmstrip program series on the Báb, the Letters of the Living, and Bahá’u’lláh. Part I traces the footsteps of the Báb, with 115 photographs of landmarks and holy places of great significance to the Bahá’í Faith. Part II shows, in 45 frames, many landmarks made famous by the heroic deeds of the Báb’s earliest followers, the Letters of the Living. Part III, with 98 frames, traces the journeys of Bahá’u’lláh into exile and imprisonment. All three programs were written and photographed by Guy Murchie and narrated by Marzieh Gail.
3 Filmstrips, Cassettes, Narration Books | $15.00 |
Also available separately: |
|
6-00-15 Part I: The Báb | $6.00 |
6-00-19 Part II: Letters of the Living | $5.00 |
6-00-23 Part III: Bahá’u’lláh | $6.00 |
| 6-00-07 | ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Glimpses of Perfection |
A program stressing the importance of the Master’s visit to America and consisting primarily of pictures taken during His stay here. Excellent for deepening. 80 frames, black and white.
Filmstrip, Cassette, Narration Book | $7.50 |
| 6-10-10 | Bahá’í Principles, 8-slide set |
Colorfully illustrated slides containing principles of the Bahá’í Faith. Seven of the slides begin with “Bahá’u’lláh teaches” and continue with the phrases “God is One,” “mankind is one,” “there is only one God,” “all men belong to the same human family,” “men and women are equal,” “each person should seek truth for himself,” “all people must be educated.” One slide contains the Hidden Word “O Son of Man! Be thou content with Me and seek no other helper: For none but Me can ever suffice thee.” Multicolored illustrations by Thomas Kubala.
8-slide set | $2.00 |
BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE[edit]
The Trusted Ones of God:
The Local Spiritual Assembly
A study booklet on the Local Spiritual Assembly prepared by the National Teaching Committee. It combines, on facing pages, quotations from the Universal House of Justice’s compilation, The Local Spiritual Assembly, short explanations, and drawings of multiracial groups which illustrate the Local Assembly’s role and activities in its community. Illustrations by Dale Robison. Bright gold and orange cover, 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches, 47 pp.
| 1/$.15 | 25/$3.00 | 100/$11.00 | 500/$50.00 |
Bahá’u’lláh y la Nueva Era:
Una Introducción a la Fe Bahá’í
Now available, a Spanish edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.
Per copy | $2.50 Net |
Bahá’í Faith: The Spirit Way
An introductory booklet for Indians which points the seeker through the Indian way and through Christianity to the Way of Bahá’u’lláh. It will be useful for teaching and deepening in areas where Indian Bahá’ís reside. Written in a direct manner, it answers many questions often not asked openly by Indian seekers. Printed on cream stock and illustrated throughout with black and rust-colored drawings. Vivid orange cover. 8 1/2 x 11 inches, 29 pp.
| 1/$.50 | 10/$4.00 | 50/$17.50 | 150/$45.00 |
Suggested Guidelines for Teaching the Masses
An invaluable new handbook for Assemblies, committees, and individuals involved in teaching the masses. It draws heavily on instructions from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian, and messages from the Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly. Excellent compilation on teaching in general. 8 1/2 x 11 inches, 40 pp.
Per Copy | $0.50 |
HOW TO ORDER[edit]
Literature and Special Materials items must be handled separately. Using the order blank below, total each category in the space provided, and add the appropriate postage and handling charges before figuring the amount of your remittance. Personal orders must include full payment.
If possible, always order through a Bahá’í Community Librarian for postpaid handling on Literature orders of $5 or more and Special Materials orders of $10 or more.
|
Help Wanted
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT — preliminary editing of manuscripts; checking references, accuracy of facts, logical construction; marking manuscripts according to house style; writing advertising copy, providing general editorial assistance for the General Editor. Familiarity with the MLA Style Sheet and/or the University of Chicago Manual of Style would be helpful. Typing essential. PRODUCTION/PURCHASING — preparing specifications, soliciting quotes, and placing orders for many types of printing and manufacturing services. COPY EDITOR — checking copy according to house style, proofing copy. TYPIST — accurate, minimum 60 wpm, one who enjoys typing, is neat and has a good sense of form and style. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY — experienced; dictaphone required, dictation desirable, accurate, with creativity, initiative, dependability. DICTAPHONE SECRETARY — experienced, with alertness to detail, neat and accurate. COMMERCIAL ARTIST — graphic arts technician skilled in illustration, paste-up, layout, typographic design, and keyline work; photographic technician with darkroom, studio, field, and graphic arts experience. PROMOTION — ability to write advertising/marketing copy, develop and execute a marketing plan for public consumption, ability to develop program for and train local literature representatives. DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT POSITION — traffic, warehousing, receiving and shipping, packaging, pick and pack operation, order processing, import and export, inventory control. ORDER AND BILLING TYPIST — experienced in typing figures, adding machine, must be accurate and alert to detail. If interested in any of the above positions, please send a resume of your qualifications or request one of our application blanks to be sent to the following address:
|
ORDER NOW!
| NEW BAHÁ’Í DATE BOOK |
You’ll enjoy using this new Bahá’í Pocket Date Book. In 32 pages, it provides a full Gregorian calendar for the 12 months from March 1972 to March 1973, and a full Bahá’í calendar for B.E. 129. Its most significant features include:
- Feast days are shaded in yellow, with Bahá’í months labeled in both Arabic and English.
- Holy days are identified with a nine-sided rosette, and each page includes information on special observances and days on which work should be suspended.
- Every page includes meaningful excerpts from Bahá’í Writings, many of them dealing with the special observances listed on the calendar.
- The calendar weeks begin with Saturday, putting the two weekend days together for easier planning.
- Elsewhere in the Date Book is information about the Bahá’í Calendar; about the Feast of Naw-Rúz, the Intercalary Days, space to write names and addresses of friends, and full Bahá’í calendars for the years 1972, 1973, and 1974.
Illustrated about 3/4 actual size. The Date Book is 32 pages, printed in two colors, with a bright, leather-grained yellow cover.
BAHÁ’Í DATE BOOKCATALOG NO. 66919.....$ .35 (net)
HOW TO ORDER
Order through your Bahá’í Community Librarian for postpaid handling on Special Materials orders of $10 or more.
If you have no librarian, use the order blank at right, enclosing full payment, and send directly to:
- BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST
- 415 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois 60091
(continued from page 13)
Panama Information Continued[edit]
TO THOSE WHO ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND THE PANAMA DEDICATION CEREMONIES AND ARE NOT TAKING THE CHARTER FLIGHTS, PLEASE NOTE:
The National Spiritual Assembly urges you to make your room reservations well in advance. Hotel rooms are scarce and are filling up fast.
We also caution those of you who are not making advance arrangements to be sure you do not become a burden to the friends in Panama. There is no guarantee that there will be room for anyone to sleep in sleeping bags on the floors of friends’ homes. Indeed, the Bahá’ís in Panama do not have space to offer for this purpose, and it would be an imposition to expect it. If you are planning to drive to Panama and expect to sleep in your vehicle, please check with the Panama Temple Dedication Committee to be sure there are no legal restrictions regarding this.
For information, hotel, and pension arrangements, write to: PANAMA TEMPLE DEDICATION COMMITTEE, Apartado 77, Panama 9A, Republic of Panama.
For other information on Panama, see page 13 of this issue of THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í.
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár Dawning Place of the Mention of God
Panama House of Worship Dedication
April 29-30, 1972
(continued from page 13)
Wanted:
ADULT COORDINATORS FOR
Summer Projects ’72
LOCATION - EUROPE AND LATIN AMERICA
TIME: JULY AND AUGUST
IF YOU CAN COME WITH US THIS SUMMER, PLEASE CONTACT:
- INTERNATIONAL GOALS COMMITTEE
- 110 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
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ATTENTION BAHÁ’Í YOUTH!
THERE ARE NOW 38 HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS! ONLY 12 CLUBS MORE AND THE GOAL WILL BE WON! AS SOON AS YOU GET PERMISSION TO FORM, SEND IN YOUR CONSTITUTIONS AND BE COUNTED!
WE NEED 9 MORE TO MEET OUR GOAL OF 10 JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS! WE ARE PRAYING FOR THIS ACHIEVEMENT, AND LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING YOUR CONSTITUTIONS SOON.
- OFFICE OF YOUTH AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES
- 112 LINDEN AVENUE
- WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
SOUTH FLORIDA TEACHING PROJECT
MARCH 17 - APRIL 7
THIS IS A SPECIAL EFFORT TO REACH THE
- SEMINOLE INDIANS
- MIGRANT WORKERS
- JEWISH MINORITY
- THOUSANDS OF YOUTH ON THE BEACHES
ENJOY 80° WEATHER!
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
- MR. LEE McBRIDE
- 2301 N.E. 20TH AVENUE
- WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA 33305
- TELEPHONE: (305) 563-9123
HELP WANTED - FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
TEMPORARY HOUSING IS AVAILABLE IN FORT MYERS FOR EITHER A WELL-DEEPENED, RETIRED BAHÁ’Í COUPLE OR INDIVIDUAL WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN EITHER SETTLING OR HELPING WITH THE TEACHING WORK FOR A FEW MONTHS. SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE IN BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION.
IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT: MRS. NINA B. MATTHISEN, 2183 LARCHMONT AVENUE, FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33901
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY—OR A DENTIST?
WE ARE A SMALL GROUP OF TWO HOMEFRONT PIONEERS IN PIOCHE, A SMALL MINING COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEVADA. ONE OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE COUNTY IS THE LACK OF MEDICAL CARE. WE HAVE ONE DOCTOR IN THE ENTIRE COUNTY (10,000 SQUARE MILES, POPULATION 2,500) WHO IS 60 YEARS OLD AND ABOUT TO RETIRE. HE NO LONGER HANDLES OBSTETRICAL (O.B.) CASES, NOR DOES HE PERFORM ANY SURGERY. THE NEXT CLOSEST DOCTOR IS 100 MILES AWAY. THE COUNTY IS IN NEED OF AND IS SEARCHING FOR AT LEAST ONE MORE DOCTOR AND A DENTIST. WE PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION FOR ANY BAHÁ’Í DOCTOR OR DENTIST INTERESTED IN PRACTICING IN A RURAL AREA AND HELPING TO BRING THE WORD OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH TO A PREDOMINANTLY MORMON COMMUNITY. IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT: MR. AND MRS. JAMES JUSTICE, BOX 507, PIOCHE, NEVADA 89043; TELEPHONE (702) 962-5810.
TRAILER FOR RENT - LOUISIANA
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEND THE SUMMER IN SLIDELL, LOUISIANA? THERE’S LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHING THE FAITH HERE, AND I HAVE A TRAILER FOR RENT FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST. COSTS RUN ABOUT $150 PER MONTH WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE FOOD. THE TRAILER WILL SLEEP THREE (PREFERABLY THREE GIRLS OR A FAMILY). IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT: MISS LORI AUSTIN, P. O. BOX 1161, SLIDELL, LOUISIANA 70458; TELEPHONE (504) 643-6705.
HELP NEEDED - DURANGO, COLORADO
THE BAHA’I COMMUNITY OF DURANGO IS MAKING PLANS FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHT PROCLAMATION AND DEEPENING TO BE HELD MARCH 29 - APRIL 1. THE COMMUNITY HOPES TO REACH EVERY SOUL IN DURANGO WITH THE MESSAGE OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH DURING THAT TIME AND TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE DEEPENING CLASSES FOR NEW BELIEVERS. THE DURANGO COMMUNITY WOULD APPRECIATE AS MUCH HELP IN THE WAY OF MANPOWER AS POSSIBLE. IF INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT: MR. DOUGLAS BOREN, BOX 144, FORT LEWIS COLLEGE, DURANGO, COLORADO 81301; TELEPHONE (303) 247-4847.
The American Bahá’í
112 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091
MARCH 1972
IN THIS ISSUE
ANNUAL ELECTIONS
NATIONAL CONVENTION DATES
NSA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL TWO-WEEK INSTITUTES
CONTINENTAL COUNSELLORS ANNOUNCE DEEPENING CONFERENCES
PERISCOPE
INTERNATIONAL GOALS STILL TO BE WON
SUMMER PROJECTS ’72
